The New York Yankees are in a pitching predicament, and it’s got fans on the edge of their seats. With Edward Cabrera now donning a Cubs uniform instead of pinstripes, the Bronx Bombers are scrambling to find their next ace—but here’s where it gets controversial: are they aiming too high, or not high enough? According to reports from the New York Post’s Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, the Yankees are shifting their focus to other potential rotation upgrades, including the Brewers’ Freddy Peralta and the Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore. But don’t hold your breath for a Tarik Skubal trade—Detroit’s asking price is reportedly through the roof, making a deal seem unlikely.
As the offseason rolls on, the Yankees have been linked to several big names in both the trade and free-agent markets, yet they’ve yet to land a blockbuster deal. Sure, they’ve bolstered their pitching depth by re-signing Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn, but let’s be honest—these aren’t the front-of-the-rotation arms that inspire championship dreams. And this is the part most people miss: while the Yankees technically have enough starters to cover innings until Carlos Rodon, Gerrit Cole, and Clarke Schmidt return from injuries, their current rotation is a house of cards. One injury or setback, and the whole plan could crumble. Take Clarke Schmidt, for example—his availability for the 2026 season is far from guaranteed after undergoing Tommy John surgery last July.
But here’s the real question: should the Yankees settle for depth starters, or go all-in on a pitcher who could dominate in the playoffs? Adding a true ace would not only provide insurance against injuries but also address concerns like Cam Schlittler’s potential struggles in his first full Major League season or Max Fried’s durability after a career-high 195 1/3 innings in 2025. It’s a high-stakes gamble, but one that could pay off big time.
Interestingly, nearly all the starting pitchers linked to the Yankees this offseason have been trade targets rather than free agents. Why? Well, it seems the Yankees are saving their free-agent dollars for a big-name position player like Cody Bellinger—or perhaps Bo Bichette if Bellinger slips away. But is this the right strategy? Should they prioritize pitching over hitting, or is their current approach a masterstroke?
Speaking of trades, the Yankees’ pursuit of Edward Cabrera offers a fascinating glimpse into their negotiation tactics. Reports suggest they were willing to part with prospects like right-hander Ben Hess and outfielder Dillon Lewis, but the Marlins opted for the Cubs’ offer instead. Why? Miami’s preference for Chicago’s package, which included the highly-regarded Owen Caissie, highlights the Yankees’ reluctance to part with their top hitting prospect, George Lombard Jr. Was this a missed opportunity, or a smart move to protect their farm system?
One name to keep an eye on for future trade talks is Dillon Lewis. According to Heyman, the Marlins are big fans of the talented outfielder, who finished his first full season at high-A Hudson Valley. Ranked as the eighth-best prospect in the Yankees’ farm system by Baseball America, Lewis could become a key piece in future negotiations. But for now, the Yankees’ pitching search continues—and the clock is ticking.
What do you think? Are the Yankees playing it safe, or are they missing their chance to build a championship-caliber rotation? Let us know in the comments below!
